JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): With direction of a Registered Nurse, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct patient care and assists team members with delegated tasks/procedures within their scope of practice. They will possess a thorough understanding of the position’s roles/responsibilities; seeks clarification when appropriate. Ability to produce accurate and timely computer documentation with little direction. Knowledge of printer and fax functions. Highly motivated to perform and able to multi-task. See Orientation Competency Inventory (OCI).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: Previous hospital/long term care experience, including the use of medical terminology preferred. This position requires a person who exhibits a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, the ability to work productively under stress, and who displays a professional demeanor and is able to prioritize workloads. The employee in this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment and therapeutic milieu based on the age of the patients served. The employee must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, possess the ability to communicate observed changes in patient’s behavior/activity to the RN. This job description will change from time to time as tasks, organization, and technology changes.

EDUCATION: High school graduate or equivalent preferred. Successful completion of a CNA program. This position description may qualify for a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay. The conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current certification as a nursing assistant or enrolled in the SPH CNA training program and must obtain certification at the end of the training period. BLS certification required. SECURE Training required within 6 months of hire date, then annually updated.

Aptitudes: Exhibits judgment in organizing time and performing repetitive tasks. Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal effectively with multiple stressors, deadlines, difficult situations and/or customers, within job duties. Possess interpersonal communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Open to feedback and a changing environment, requiring flexibility in scheduling and department assignments. Takes ownership for work completed and instills confidence in themselves and their work contributions. Communicates in an effective, respectful and appropriate manner, contributing to the team environment. Ability to work collaboratively with the patient care team.

PATIENT SITTER: (overview of job): Under the supervision of an RN, a Patient Sitter (the Sitter) provides close observation of patients. Patient Sitters assist in the provision of a safe and clean environment for patients who because of physiologic, mental and/or behavioral limitations, or has made a suicide attempt or is expressing suicidal ideations are deemed at risk for additional injury. A Patient Sitter is initiated by a physician order and/or nursing judgement. The employee promotes the therapeutic milieu and the efficiency of the nursing team. The Sitter supports the system and nursing strategic plans, relationship-based care, and shared leadership. As a Sitter, one may be assigned to monitor patients with AVASYS. The Sitter provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. First line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors. The Sitter summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF BEING A SITTER:

• Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.)

• Sitter should be within 4-6 feet of the patient at all times. Patient Sitter should always maintain line of sight with the patient.

• Obtains instruction from the nurse regarding ambulation limitations and course of action for redirection of patient if needed.

• May transport patient for testing and procedures off the unit but must accompany and remain within arm’s length of patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.

• Observant of the patient’s activity and behavior and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Receives direction from the nurse re: what to report, to whom, and how. St. Peter’s Health computers will only be used for documentation. Personal cell phones, pagers, and computers may be used by the Patient Sitter while on break and NEVER while sitting with a patient.

• Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner. Completes a new Sitter Checklist at each handoff and documented in the electronic medical record to ensure patient safety while care is provided at St. Peter’s Health.

• Patient Sitters ensure all patient belongings are secured in a location where the patient does not have access i.e. locked locker or outside of the patient’s room.

• Sitter needs to document every 15 minutes on the Patient Observation Rounds sheet.

• Functions cooperatively as a team member. Responds as directed by responsible nurse to changing patients/unit’s needs. If an emergency situation should arise the Patient Sitter should stay with the patient and call for help out the door or use the patient call light.

• Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families/significant other and other health care members.

• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff. Applies principles of caring and healing interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.

• Accurately and legibly records data collected and notifies RN of any untoward events, i.e. behavioral changes, violent behavior etc.

• Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Offers consistent and visible support to team members.

• Complies with all St. Peter’s Health rules, regulations, policies, and nursing standards.

• Strives to achieve excellence of service.

• Verbalizes understanding and responsibilities during all St. Peter’s Health Emergency codes. The assigned patient remains the sitter’s PRIMARY responsibility at all times.

• Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.

• Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.

• Performs related duties as assigned which includes transporting patients as needed; discharges, transfers, etc.

• Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the AvaSys TeleSitter Solution software.

• Maintains visual observation of patients at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in the patient room. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and the skill necessary to provide the appropriate observation to the patient population requiring AvaSys monitoring.

• Participates in report with monitor staff when arriving for shift, and upon completion of shift. Reviews pertinent information and behaviors.

• Provides floor staff with information in a timely fashion when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification of and reporting if patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to appropriate staff members.

• Demonstrates ability to continuously monitor all AvaSys patients on one screen at a time and remains alert at all times.

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively with patients using a microphone and headset.

• Documents patient disposition and activity per policy.

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